Is the road to Ørnesvingen paved?
Norway, europe
7.3 km
620 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in western Norway, about to tackle the legendary "Eagle Road," or Ørnesvingen. Yep, it's paved the whole way, so no need to worry about gravel.
Starting in Geiranger, you've got about 7.3 kilometers (a little over 4.5 miles) of pure driving bliss ahead of you… and by bliss, I mean seriously twisty fun! This isn't a road for the faint of heart. We're talking eleven hairpin bends as you climb from the fjord floor all the way up to Korsmyra, a whopping 620 meters (over 2,000 feet!) above sea level. Hold on tight, because in some parts, the road gets seriously steep – a one in ten incline!
Just a heads-up if you're rolling in a mega-bus: the parking at the top is tiny, and anything over 15 meters long is a no-go. Plus, if you're visiting in May, double-check that the whole road is open.
This road was officially opened back in 1955, and trust me, the builders knew what they were doing. The last turn before the top reveals *the* money shot: a ridiculously gorgeous view of the Geirangerfjord, the iconic Seven Sisters waterfall, and the charming village of Geiranger itself. Get ready to have your breath taken away!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 620 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is the road to Passo Castrin?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for Passo Castrin (aka Hofmahdjoch) in stunning South Tyrol, Italy! This hidden gem sits way up in the Ortler Alps at 1,781m (5,843ft). So, where does SP-86, the road across Passo Castrin, take you? It's a sweet 17km stretch linking the charming villages of Laurein and Santa Valburga. Think modern marvel, because the tunnels carved out in the 90s made this route a breeze compared to the olden days. Now, don't let the smooth pavement fool you; this road is a BEAST! We're talking hairpin turns and a gut-punching maximum gradient of 19%! Seriously, double-check those brakes before you head down. Despite the challenge, the pavement is pristine, making it a haven for cyclists and drivers chasing an adrenaline rush in the Dolomites. But here's the kicker: forget sweeping vistas at the summit. Passo Castrin's highest point is actually INSIDE a tunnel! Yep, you read that right. The peak elevation is at the south entrance of the main tunnel, making it a truly unique Alpine experience. Pro tip: control your speed and use engine braking on those crazy steep sections. The tunnel's well-lit, but be ready for the light change as you blast in from the bright Italian sun. It's a super direct and scenic shot through the mountains, giving you a fast and unforgettable drive through the Bolzano province.
hardCollet des Michels
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk about Collet des Michels, a seriously sweet mountain pass tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France. You'll be climbing to about 3,018 feet (920m) above sea level, so get ready for some views! The D226, as it's known, is your asphalt ribbon to adventure, connecting the charming towns of Montjay in the south and L'Epine up north. Now, heads up – this route is paved, but it's not messing around. Expect some pretty steep sections that'll have your engine working and your heart pumping. But trust me, the scenery along the way is totally worth it!
moderateCan you drive up the Black Mountains?
🇬🇧 Wales
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog. Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks. Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level. It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country! Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to. The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!
hardMount Karadag in Karaman: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I’ve got a spot you HAVE to add to your Turkey itinerary. Picture this: Mount Karadag, or "Black Mountain," an extinct volcano rising 2,267 meters into the Anatolian sky. This isn't just any mountain; it's a beast! Tucked away in Karaman Province, the paved road to the top is only 12 km long, but trust me, those kilometers are intense! We're talking an average gradient of over 10%, so get ready for some serious climbing! You'll gain a whopping 1,258 meters in elevation – legs day at the gym doesn't even come close. Up top, things get interesting. There are Byzantine church ruins with a chapel and monastery, but fair warning, a military radar base was built around them in the 2000s, so access might be restricted. And just south of the summit, there's another peak with a TV transmitter station. The views? Epic! The challenge? Unforgettable. Start your journey in Kılbasan, a small village in the central district of Karaman Province, and get ready for the ride of your life!